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THE RETAINED FIREFIGHTER
please click below for further information:
What is the Retained Fire Service?
How Your Fire Station is Crewed
Functional Capability & Physical Fitness
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FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITY & PHYSICAL FITNESS
All applicants for firefighting roles must be able to undertake the basic functions set out below.
| Movement | Sprinting, running, jogging, walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, crawling, jumping, hammering, digging. |
| Strength | Lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling weights, objects & equipment ranging from 5kg to in excess of 40kg. |
| Vision | Acceptable visual acuity, normal colour vision, normal field of vision. |
| Hearing | Acceptable hearing in the fireground environment. |
| Environments encountered | Fire compartment temperatures above 100 o C, elevated temperatures (30-100 o C), freezing temperatures (sub-zero), dust, overcrowding, open spaces, height, enclosed spaces, total and partial darkness, working in and under water, handling hazardous substances, smoke high humidity. |
| Addressing Groups | Addressing groups of people. |
| Operational Pressure | Dealing with traumatised victims, dealing with traumatised others (e.g. relatives, public), making critical decisions quickly. |
| Using Breathing Apparatus | Using self-contained breathing apparatus. |
As you can see from this table, firefighting is a demanding and difficult job. Before undergoing the selection tests, you should think carefully about whether you are fit and able to perform all aspects of the role as some of these are tested during the selection process and all are required for operational duty.
If you think you are likely to have difficulty with any of the capabilities listed, they should be declared at the earliest opportunity, so that they can be properly addressed. If adjustments are required to help you to complete the tests, for example as a result of a disability or impairment, we will consider their practicability and reasonableness. If you wish to have a confidential discussion with the Fire & Rescue Service's Occupational Health Advisor, please discuss this with one of the recruitment officer/training staff looking after you.
If you are successful in reaching the final stage of the selection process, you will be required to undertake a full medical and eye examination. It is therefore important to declare any potential difficulties at an early stage to allow them to be taken into account.
(Appendix 7.9, NFS Guidance, DCLG 2006).
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